Police are still investigating the death of a Devizes woman who died after being pulled from the Kennet & Avon Canal yesterday.

A forensic post mortem is expected to take place on Monday. A police spokesman said: "Enquiries are ongoing at this stage to establish what happened."

It has now emerged that the woman, in her 60s, who died is a local from Devizes.

Rescuers and paramedics fought to save her after she was pulled on to the tow path near the Town Bridge but she died in Great Western Hospital.

A Wiltshire Police spokesman said yesterday: "Following this morning's incident in Devizes, we can confirm that the woman who was pulled from the canal has sadly died in hospital.

"Her next of kin have been informed and are thoughts are with them at this very difficult time. "Our enquiries are ongoing."

The woman was rushed to the Great Western Hospital in Swindon in a serious condition after being dragged from the water shortly before 10.30am.

Paramedics, police and fire crews were called after the woman was spotted in the canal close to St Joseph’s Catholic Church and school.

A bystander said: “I've just witnessed all the emergency services trying everything to resuscitate this woman.

“They did not stop from the second they pulled her out. First, the fire service and the police until the paramedics arrived.

“Twenty to 30 minutes later they were still trying. We've watched in awe at their determination.

“Her family should know the emergency services have done everything to revive her and protect her dignity at this horrible time.”